John:
It’s that time of year again, Drew!
Drew:
What time is that, John?
John:
Valentine’s Day, of course!
Drew:
But John…I thought you were a lonely bachelor these days who spends more time in the World of Warcraft than the world of women.
John:
You’ve got me there. Although a lot of dudes dread the infamous “V-Day,” I like to think of it more as an opportunity to impress your very special lady friend. Got any places in mind this year?
Drew:
My usual go-to has been and always will be the Melting Pot, and it was one of the last few romantic places around these parts. Unfortunately, the one in Gainesville is currently under renovations. But just a quick trip away, there’s another in Ocala. And have they got a deal for you! The Fondue Feast features a four-course meal, a bottle of wine and a bouquet of roses for just one shiny Benjamin note (aka $100). Before you know it, your date will be more hot and bothered than the cheese fondue. And if you play your cards right, you might just be dipping your banana in her hot chocolate, if you know what I mean.
John:
Sadly I don’t, Drew, it’s been many a fortnight since I made eye contact with a female. But if I did have a special lil’ lady in mind, I think I’d bring her to Liquid Ginger, located downtown at 101 SE 2nd Place.
Drew:
What’s that, some kind of third-world eatery for freckled, soulless freaks?
John:
Not at all, Drew! Liquid Ginger is one of the nicer Pan-Asian spots in downtown Gainesville. This place makes exquisite dining a breeze, throwing in an appetizer and dessert with whatever dish tickles your fancy. Might I suggest the Thai chicken with coconut and lime on the side, a delicious meal that’s accompanied by a strange yet delectable mix of flavors. If your aim is to get your date a little tipsy, they’ve got a wide variety of mixed drinks like the Mai Tai and the Hurricane. Regardless of whether or not you’re trying to get drunk, you must try a pot of their signature ginger tea or any one of thirty different flavors. It’ll give you something to sip on while you wait for the food, which tends to take a while to come out. But if you wake up next to your V-day date the morning after, you’ve already won half the battle. Now you’re going to want to make a clean exit before she notices your extensive Pokémon card collection and the sheets that you’ve yet to wash this semester. Got any ideas for breakfast?
Drew:
Alls I know at this point is that my left hand and I will be sauntering on over to the Flying Biscuit at 4150 NW 16th Boulevard for a hot, hot brunch. They’ve got every omelette imaginable, and their French toast with raspberry sauce and honey crème is superb. Should you wake up late enough, they’ve got a fine lunch menu as well. At this point, hopefully you’ll have made your mark as a halfway decent Valentine’s Day date. And hey, if you didn’t, at least you scored some good grub along the way.
